Health care worker gets COVID vaccine in Interior Health (photo credit: Interior Health)

By Pete McIntyre

B.C. announces COVID-19 vaccination plan

Jan 22, 2021 | 11:33 AM

The B.C. government has announced its plan for providing the COVID-19 vaccine to four million British Columbians.

The four-phase plan will see approximately 7.4 million doses of vaccine (two doses to each person) administered to every resident who is eligible to receive it between April and the end of September.

Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, said the priority for getting a vaccination will be based on age, starting with older residents and working its way to younger.

Phase 1 is underway and has more than 103,000 people in B.C. (long-term care residents and health care staff) receiving their first dose of vaccine and second doses are underway.

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Phase 2, starting in late February, expands immunizations to additional vulnerable populations, Indigenous communities and Elders, health-care staff and all seniors over the age of 80. Together, these two phases are focused on people who are most at risk.

As age is the single greatest risk factor for severe illness and death, Phase 3, starting in April, will expand to include people between the ages of 79 to 75 and work backwards in five-year increments to include those age 60 and over. Also included in this phase are people with certain underlying health conditions that make them clinically extremely vulnerable. It is important to note that no one will lose their place in line. For example, if an elderly relative is in Phase 2 and cannot be immunized at that time, they can be immunized at any point thereafter.

As additional vaccines are approved and become available, people who are front-line essential workers or work in specific workplaces or industries may also be able to start receiving vaccines later in Phase 3.

Phase 4 is anticipated to begin in July 2021 for the rest of the eligible population, starting with people aged 59 to 55 and working backwards in five-year age groups until everyone over the age of 18 who wants a COVID-19 vaccine receives it.

Starting in March 2021, pre-registration for the vaccine will begin to open online and by phone for the general public, starting with those aged 79 to 75. Those who are considered “clinically extremely vulnerable” will receive their immunization beginning in April. People who are pre-registered will get a reminder to book their appointment as soon as they are eligible.

Additional details on the registration process, registration timing and availability and immunization clinic locations will be available in the coming weeks.

Click here to view the B.C. COVID-19 Immunization Plan PowerPoint.

by Pete McIntyre

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